nrx 854 vs 873

[KSRonH]

Can anyone who is familiar with both rods make a comparison between the two? What are the best applications for each rod. Thanks for your input.

[cndbasshunter]

much prefer the 873c, love the power loads lower. perfect for trigs 1/2 oz.

[DavidSA]

the applications are similar but most prefer the 873 or 894. I did not fish the 854 long enough to draw the conclusions on why. The 894 ended up being my choice because I fish florida almost exclusively and 7'5 is a short rod in that state. Action of the blank is what makes the 894 special. 873 is very similar to 894 but a touch less powerful. 873 might be my preference for mostly open waters of my home state (KY)

[Fishing4Fun]

The 854 is the dud or red headed step child of the bunch.

893 - 1/4 to a 1/2 oz would be the upper limits. Sweet spot around 3/8
873 - 3/8 to 5/8 oz. Sweet spot around 7/16
894 - 3/8 to nearly an oz. Say a 3/4 oz jig and trailer. Sweet spot about 5/8 oz

In terms of power and weight of lures used. The 873 is closer to a 4 power. It is a CRR or Carolina Rig rod.

If I am getting two NRX rods for 90% or my bottom contact baits I would do it with the 893 and 894. If I can only pick one for whatever reason the 873 is the best compromise for a wider range of weights. The 893 is the most lively of the bunch if premium sensitivity is most important

[DavidSA]

agree with this assessment. I settled on 893 and 894 as well.

after the fact, I bought some 7'3 rods but for some reason did not go with the 873. may have felt it too similar to the 894. honestly don't recall my rationale, baitmonkey moment quite possibly.

[johnnybassboat]

Most people bad mouth the 854, so I was a bit unsure about that rod. I got one last year on sale for less than $300 and I like it quite a bit. BUT I also have a 893,894 and a 873. I like the 873 better than the 854 for most things, but the 854 deserves a little love too.

[KSRonH]

st
by johnnybassboat » Fri Dec 27, 2019 7:35 pm
Most people bad mouth the 854, so I was a bit unsure about that rod. I got one last year on sale for less than $300 and I like it quite a bit. BUT I also have a 893,894 and a 873. I like the 873 better than the 854 for most things, but the 854 deserves a little love too.

Since you have all the rods being discussed, what do you use the 854 for? what applications does the 854 do well?

[johnnybassboat]

I have been using the 854 for pitching to isolated wood cover and weed clumps. Mostly a beaver and a 3/8 or 7/16 tungsten pegged flipping weight. The 873 I use almost exclusively for 1/2 or 9/16 wobble heads, I like the extra length for longer casts and more line recovery on the hook set. The 854 Is the rod I have had the least time to use, but still like the feel. My 893 is used for lighter 3/16-5/16 t rigs. The 894 is my 3/8-3/4 jig rod. People b*tch about the balance of these rods, but I balance almost all my rods so it doesnt effect me any.